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Even for Orthodox Jews, Men Are from Mars and Women are From Venus (Except in Englewood, NJ)

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Ronn Torossian
Ronn Torossian is the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer of 5WPR. Headquartered in New York City, the
… [More]firm is one of the 25 largest independent public relations firms in the United States. 5WPR has been named “PR Agency of the Year” by the American Business Awards; and Ronn Torossian is the winner of the Silver Stevie Communications, Investor Relations, and PR Executive of the Year of the Year Award by the American Business Awards. Ronn’s book, “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations,” received rave reviews. He is a member of the prestigious Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and is an active board member of a number of non-profit organizations. Ronn Torossian is a frequently sought after communications expert, often appearing on FOX News, CNBC, Huffington Post, Time Magazine, and other major media outlets. He resides on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with his family.
Email: rtorossian@5wpr.com
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When did Englewood become BoroughPark? When did Rabbi Shmuel Goldin and the RCA become chasids? In a wonderful moment for Orthodox Jewry, this weekend marked the inaugural graduation ceremony of New York’s Yeshivat Maharat – and three women were ordained as members of the clergy. They underwent training, passed rigorous tests, and are now teachers of Jewish law and spirituality.

As a speaker at graduation explained “..you have studied and immersed yourselves in God’s Torah, mastered halakha, and honed your pastoral skills. You interned in shuls, on college campuses, and you taught adults and children. You have chosen to walk in God’s way, and you have kept God’s charge. Walk towards justice. Walk with integrity. Walk boldly, with courage and pride.”

But, as is the way of Englewood, let’s talk tachlis. Who is better to discuss family purity issues a rabbi, or a female Jewish leader? Who should determine if a woman is in niddah or not? When there’s a female convert, which of the RCA Rabbis is observing the woman dip naked into the mikvah? Even she is comfortable, should men (even Rabbis) observe her? Esther Jungreis for many years has done amazing work – with the rightful approval of the right-wing Orthodox world. What is the difference between the graduating women and Ms. Jungreis other than the fact that she is married to a Rabbi. Are women holy because they marry Rabbis? Are women the property of their husband because they marry a Rabbi? Absurd thinking from the world of Rabbi Goldin – who admitted he could not point to any particular religious law against ordaining women.

The women graduating Yeshiva Maharat are learned, accomplished, smart young women who will lead the Jewish community. Each of the graduates is now employed by an Orthodox congregation – and will undoubtedly be strong with the 50 percent of the Jewish people on the other side of the mechitzah. Even for Orthodox Jews, Men Are from Mars and Women are From Venus.

Mazel Tov to the graduating class of Yeshivat Maharat. As was said at the beautiful graduation ceremony to the graduates, “As you walk, remember that you are not alone. Ruth, Rachel, and Abby. Know that as you march forward, we– all of us—this entire community, walks with you.” Indeed, for Orthodox Jewish men and women this is true.

Ronn Torossian is a Public Relations Executive. He is involved with many organizations in the Jewish community. For full disclosure, he has previously represented the RCA.

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